Heat exchanger



April 1932- G. T. JACOCKS ET AL 1,355,552

HEAT EXCHANGER Filed April 20, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 22 FIG.I.-

INVENTORS George TJacoc/(s y JB/mL. Kl'fe9.

, I ORNEY April 26, 1932. G. T. JACOCKS ET AL 1,855,552

HEAT EXCHANGER Filed April 20, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 -FIG.6.- H -FlG.7.-

Ill

' FIG.8

INVENTORS Gaol-7e TJZzcocks J ohnl. lql'l'eq.

I v ORNEY Patented Apr. 26, 1932 FFFUNITED STATES PATENT 'oFFIcE GEORGE r. acocxs, or ancnmonzr, Ann JOHN L. K'ma u ironms rrriw- YORK,

TI'ON or DELAWARE:

Application filed April 20,

i This invention'relates to heat exchangers and particularly to heat exchangers adapted for cooling'or vaporizing liquids.

' In"apparatusesof the aforesaid type a g-liquid medium is passed over a plurality of- =tubes,through which is circulated another liquid medium of a different temperature. *In-the-usual practice, the liquid medium passed over the tubesis often of such chem- 1Q ical nature, as to form a hard crystalline deposit'on 'the surface of-the tubes. The accumulation of this deposit, insulates the pipes and acts to prevent the transfer of heat there- -from,'-'thus seriously interfering with the economic'al and efiicient operation of the apparatus."

The principal object otthe present invention is to provide a heat exchanger tube unit which will operate to remove the aforemenf tioned deposit from the surfaces of the tubes by its own movement soas to insure at all times, clean tube surfaces and to effect a maximum efiiciency of operation of the apparatus. In the attainment of this object there eliminated the usual expensive method of hand removingthe deposit from the tubes which method requires the lengthy shut down of the apparatus during the performance of this operation.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a heat exchanger tube unit embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on the line IIII on theline III-III of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an endview of the guide plates; Fig. 5 is an end invention.

Referring descriptively to the drawings, the improved heat exchanger tube unit of this invention (Figs. 1 to 5) comprises a pair of oppositely disposed tube sheets 1 and 2,

of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken tied form of the exchanger tube unit of this AssIGNoRs 'ro ALCO rnonuc'rs, INCORPORATED, or NEW YORK, may. aconroaa- HEAT EXCHANGER 1931. Serial 1%. 531,297.

into which are expanded, or otherwise fitted, the respective ends of a plurality of spaced, parallel, straight tubes 3. The tubes are preferably of non-ferrous metal. At the centers of the tubes'a'pair of aligned guide plates 4 and 5 are locatedn The tubes pass through orifices formed in the guide plates and are held in their relative positions thereby, :and divided into 'twoi separate groups. Adjacent the tube sheets; 1 and -2, -=heads 6 and :7 "are disposed. :"The heads-comprise substantially, box-shaped members havin'g flanges formed at the inner and outer ends. The inner flanges 8 and 9 of the heads-(Sand 7, respectively,areboltedto the'tube sheets 1 and 2, corresponding orifices being .-formed in the flanges and the peripheries of the tube sheets; and *bolts 10 and 11 being passed therethrough," and being provided with nuts at their'ends. -Over'the'outr ends of the heads '6 ail-d7,- and adjacent the outer flanges 12 and 13 0f the respective head s, cover plates 14 and 15' are disposed. 'The'cover plates-are-bolted to the flanges 12 and l3 in the same manner as the flanges 8 and 9 are bolted to the tube plates, corresponding orifices being formed in the flanges 12 and 13 and in the peripheries of the cover plates and bolts 16 and 17 being passed therethrough, and provided with nuts at'their'ends. Within the head 6, a transverse wall 18 is provided, thus dividing the head into two separate compartments. A flanged inlet opening 19 is provided on one side of the head 6 affording communication-to one of the compartments, and a flanged outlet opening 20 "is provided on the opposite side of the head aifording communication to the other compartment. A steam inlet port 21 is also provided in the side of the head 6 on the inlet side of the same.

Pairs of tie-rod sections 22 and 23 are provided for each group of tubes both above and below the same. The outer ends of the tie-rod sections 22 are tapped into holes formed in the tube sheet 2, and the outer ends of the tie-rod sections 23 are tapped into holes formed in the tube sheet 1, thesections being thereby secured to the. tube sheets. The pairs of the tie-rod sections are zoo , the compartmenton theoutlet. side of the normally slightly inclined to the tubes. The inner ends of the sections 23 are bifurcated and the inner ends of the sections 22 are flattened to engage the bifurcated ends and bolts 5 24 are passed through the said engaged ends and a. hinged joint between the sections 22 and "23' is thereby provided whereby the hinged inclined rod sections may swing in their plane. .Each of thetie-rod sections is severed at. its, center. andproi'lided with ..a, turnbuckle 95 by means of 'whicli the tierods may be adjusted to the desiredlength. On the upper and lower sides of'the guide straightjlineposition; ,To. .efiect the initial bowing requi'resbut a relatively slight initial elongation and'there' is required therefore, only a relatively small increase in plates 4 and 5 depressions are.formed,,aemperature. Her,etofore structures have 5 through which the tie-rods pass, and knife :edge projections 27 are providedat the sides .of the :depre'ssions, the edges otthe projections bearing upon the hinged joints ofthetierod sections and normally holding the sec- $111 the operation of the exchanger tube wunit. liquid willzbe introducedtthrough :the -.inlet opening; 19 to the compartment ,on the i .inlet; side ofythezheadfi. jsThel Lliquid will 25. then pass through the tubes which' communicate :With the a'foresaid compartment :and into the-head 7 at theoppositeTend of-the tubesr. -.w.-The.' liquid will then .pass back through-the tubes'which communicate with head 6, and will then pass out through said outlet opening.

been design'e clforpurposes similar to that otthe ;-instant invention, wherein sets of permanently bowed tubes have been. en}- ployed. :Thepresent arra ngementt constitutes asubstantial improvement :over; such 0 tionsin-a slightly angularorinclined position. ..designs due tothe aforementioned :fact that the nearer. the tubes are-to thisstraight iine position the greaterfis theamo'u'ntiof bowing effected fby. ,each; amit oi elongation,- it: Canversely the furtherawayirom the straight line post-ion, thatds, the more curvature there is tofthe tube, theless isthebowingefiiected byeach incrementof elongatinn.-f a curvature'angle ofA-b reached the-bowing is equal to oneihalf the elongation, that is to ,say, foiweachgimn unit bfelongation. of-the tube, the tube will how one half of that unit.

In direct proportion, lio wing is effected in When the removalof deposit formed on :the intermediate. positionsbetween the angle port 19 is closed,- and steam is introduced thronghthe port 21 and-passes through the unit in the same manner as-aforedescribed -with referenceto the liquid passing out through the outlet port-20. The tubes, due to their being heated by the steam passed .therethrough, are caused to expand or elongate thereby effecting a slight outward movement of the tube sheets. The tube sheets be ing secured to the outer ends of the tie-rods, carry the rods'with them in their outward. movement, andefi'ect the straightening out of 'the rods from their angular positions. The tie-rods, bearing on the projections as atoredescr-ibed, in straightening out from their angular positions, spread the guide plates apart and thereby carry the central portions of the opposite groups of tubes outward, causing a slight bowing of the tubes. \Vhenthe tie-rods have reached a straight line position, further outward movement of the tube sheets will obviously be prevented, and-any additional increase of elongation of the tubes will result in their further outward bowing to a relatively considerable ex-. tent. When the flow of steam through the unit is discontinued and the temperature of the tubes thereby reduced, the tubes contract, returning to their normal straight line positions, and the tie-rods are returned to. their 65. initial slightly angular positions. The alterof iand the straight line with a gradual relatively greateramount {of-bowing for a unit of elo'ngationias the tube. straight line position-isapprnached.

Many and .various. structural advantages are also incident tothe employment of'a straight tube in preference to a permanently curved one. In the first mentioned structure all of the tube holesmay be drilled directly squaresto thetube sheet and only a single set up is required for such operations. Likewise in the use of z the straight tube the labor and expense involved in-the curving of a tubefor the other type of structure is eliminated. i 1 v In Figs. 6- and 7 there is illustrated a typi cal, application of the heat exchanger tube L unit hereinbefore described to an atmospheric type of cooling tower. This tower is of the usual type and construction, embodying a plurality of sprinklers 28 at the top of the tower, and a series of cooling screens 29 disposed one above the other. The heat exchanger unit of this invention indicated generally by the numeral 30, is horizontally disposed across the lower portion of the tower and a distributing pan 31 is located immedi ately above the unit, and below the cooling screens.

In the operation of the tower cooling wa ter is pumped from a collecting trough 32,

which is located at the base of the tower, to

the-sprinklers 28, by means of a pump (not shown) which is disposed between the pipes 33 and 34 which are respectively connected to the trough and the sprinklers. The water heat exchanger tube units are employed, the

fluid to be cooled being circulated through the units and the bowing of the tubes for the purpose of removing deposits therefrom being effected when desired, as described with reference to Fi s. 1 to 5.

In Fig. 8 there is illustrated an application of the heat exchanger tube unit-of this invention to a standard type of evaporator.

The evaporator comprises an outer shell indicated generally by the numeral 40, which shell is provided with inlet ports 41 and outlet port 42. The heat exchanger tube unit is horizontally disposed within the shell 40, an

opening 43 being provided-in one end of the.

' shell'through which the tubeunit is inserted and removed. A flanged collar 44 is provided around the periphery of the opening 43. The periphery of the tube sheet 45 at the outer end of the tube unit, is adjacent the flanged collar 44. In this construction of the tube unit, modified forms of heads are employed. The head 46 comprises a dome shaped casting having a transverse wall 47 formed therein, dividing the head into relatively large and small respective upper andlower compartments. An inlet port 48 is provided in the upper compartment and an outlet port 49 is provided in the lower compartment. The head 46, tube sheet 45 and collar 44 are secured together by bolts not shown.

At the opposite end of the tube unit a dome shaped head 50 is provided. The head 50 is formed with a peripheral flange 51 and is secured to the tube sheet 52 by bolts not shown. A compartment is thus provided at this end of the unit into which all of the tubes open. This end of the unit is free for longitudinal motion as the tubes expand or contract. Transverse beams 53 and 54 are provided for supporting the unit while permitting the same to slide longitudinally thereon. A port 55 having a suitable removable cover 56 is provided in the lower portion of the tank, as in usual practice, for removing deposits and affording access to the interior of the shell.

In the operation of the vaporizer, heating fluid is introduced to the exchanger tube unit through the port 48 and passes through the tubes in substantially the same manner as described with reference to the former strucsteam.

ture, passing out through the'outlet port 49. By reason of the upper compartment being larger than the lower one in the head 46', the heating fluid while at its highest temperature will be passing through the tubes toward the head 50, and while at its lowest temperature will be passing back toward the head'46, and thus the fluid while at a'high temperature will be passing through a greater number of tubes than while at a lowered one, thereby effecting the greatest possible heat exchange. Liquid to be vaporized is introduced into the shell thro'ughftheinlet ports 41 where it circulates around the tubes 3, and vapor which is formed by the exchange of heat,'passes out through the outlet port 42. Bowing of the tubes for the.pur,p0se of removing deposit formed thereon may be effectedeither by introducingsteam into the tubes, throughithe. opening 48 or by simply varying the temperature of the heating fluid passed therethrough. When desired a separate port, similar to port 21,- may be formed in the -head-146 for separately introducing While there has been hereinbefore described specific embodiments of the. instant invention it will be understood that many and various changes and modifications in'form, procedure, details of construction and applications of the invention may be made without departing fromthe spirit of the .invention, audit will be understood that alland any such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims are contemplated and are tobe considered asa part of the instant invention. 1,:

WVhat we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is; I a

a straight tube, adapted for the circulation of fluid therethrough; and means for automatically effecting curvature of said tube when the same is elongated by the application of heat thereto.

2. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a. plurality of straight, parallel, spaced tubes, adapted for the circulation of fluid'there through; and means operatively connected to said tubes for automatically effecting curvature of the same when saidtubes are elongated by the application of heat thereto.

3. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a normally straight tube adapted for the circulation of fluid therethrough; bending means adjacent said tube normally held in an angular position; means connecting said tubes and said bending means at the respective ends thereof; and means operatively connecting said tube with said bending means between said respective ends, whereby said bending means will be moved from angular eflect a curvature of said tubes when the same 1. In a heat exchanger, the combination of 'is elongated-by the application of heat thereheld in an angular-position; connecting means betweensui-d tubes and said bending means at the respective ends thereof; and means op-- eratively connecting said tubes with said *bendingmeans between the said respective plicatio'n j of heat thereto:

ends-,where'by said-bendingmeans will be moved from'a'ngular "to straight line position "and will efieet a curvature of said tubes when -elongation of saidt-ubesis caused by't-he ap-' Ina heat exchanger; the combination of aplu'rality of normally, straight tubes, a (laptfor the 'circulation'of fluid Ztherethrough a 1 tube plateat each of the opposite ends of said was tubessecuring the same in their relative positions; tie members secured'tosaid tube plates said tie =memberbein normally held in angular positions; and means disposed between the said tube plates." operatiyely connecting said tubes and"="'s'ai'd tie members, whereby upon elongati on fof said tubescaused by the application of heat thereto. said tube plates will be moved outwardly effecting a straightening of-said tie members and causing curvature of said 't'ubesfand whereby said tube j plates will beheld in fixedspaced relation 1 when said tie'members have reached straight line positions andfurther elongation of said tubes will efie'ct further curvature of the same ""lationl while their ends' areheld fixed spaced're- 6. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality' or' spa'cedPparallel, normally straight tubesi compartments disposed at the opposite ends of said tubes. a dapting the same for the circulation of flui'd tberethrougli, each of said compartments comprising a tube plate on its inner end in which the ends of said tubes are secured. a substantially box shaped body portion. and a cover disposed over its outer end. tie members having ends secured insaid compartments and normally held in angular positions: and means, disposed between the tube plates. operatively connecting the tubes and tie members. whereby upon elongation of said tubes, caused by the application of heat thereto, said tube plates will be moved outwardly to effect the straightening of said tie members from their angular positions and curvature of said tubes will be effected.

7. vIn a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality of spaced, parallel, normally straight tubes adapted for the circulation of fluid therethrough; a tube plate disposed at each of the opposite ends of said tubes securing the same in their relativepositions; a

a heat exchanger, the combination of guide plate disposed between said tube plates holding the central portions of said tubes in their respective positions, the said tubes passing through orifices formed in said guide plate; tie members secured to said tube plates plates will be moved outwardly to effect the straightening of said tie'members from their angular positions and curvature of said tubes will be-et'fected'.

n8. Ina heat exchanger, the combination" of a normally straight tube adapted for the rculationof fluid therethrough; tying vmeansadjacentsaid tube normally held in an angular position; a second normally'straight tube-"adapted for "the circulation of fluid therethrough;parallel to the first mentioned tube;- tying means' adjacent said second tube noiinally held in arrangular position; means "at the-respective ends of said tubes and said ty ng means securing the same together; and

means betweensaid'ends operatively connecting said tub'es a n'd' tlieir said adjacent tying means; whereby'upon elongation of said tubes by-the application of heat thereto said end connecting means will be moved apart and said angular tying means will be moved to a straightline position effecting a curvature of said tubes.-

9. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality of spaced, parallel, normally straight-tubes;'tube plates disposed at the opposite ends ofsaid tubes holding the same in their relative positions; a plurality of tie members connected to'said tube plates and normally held in angular positions; and

means disposed between said tube plates connecting said tie members with said tubes whereby upon elongation of said tubes by the application of'lieat thereto. said tube plates will be moved outwardly to effect the straight ening of said tie members from their angular positions and a curvature of said tubes will be efl'ected.

10. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality of groups of spaced, parallel, normally straight tubes; tube plates disposed at the opposite ends of said tubes. holding the same in their spaced relation: a guide member for each group of tubes disposed between tions; and means for each group of tubes opl erativelyconnectlng its said guide member and said tie member, whereby upon elongation of said tubes by the application of heat thereto said tube plates will be moved apart and saidtie members will be moved to straight line positions and curvature of said tubes will be efi'ected thereby.

11. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality of groups of parallel, spaced, normally straight tubes; a tube plate disposed at each of the opposite ends of said tubes, securing the same in their relative positions; a guide plate for the tubes of each of said groups, said guide plate having a plurality of orifices formed therein through which said tubes are passed; tie members for each group of tubes connected with said tube plates, said tie members having hinged connections adjacent said guide plates and being normally held in angular positions; and means on said guide plates operatively connecting the same to the tie members of their respective groups, whereby upon elongation of said tubes by the application of heat thereto, said tube plates will be outwardly moved and said tie members will be moved to straight line positions, effecting the curvature of said tubes.

12. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality of spaced, parallel, normally straight tubes; substantially box shaped head members disposed at the opposite ends of said tubes having tube plates on their inner sides, said tube plates holding the ends of said tubes in their relative positions, and said head members having cover plates disposed on their outer sides, one of said head members having a transverse wall formed therein dividing the interior of same into two sections, an an inlet port formed in one section of said head member and an outlet port formed in the other section, whereby a fluid may be circulated through said head members and tubes; and tie members secured to said tube plates normally held in an angular position and operatively connected to the central portions of said tubes, whereby upon elongation of said tubes by the application of heat thereto, said head members will be moved apart and said tie members will be moved to straight line position effecting the curvature of said tubes.

13. In a heat exchanger, the combination of a plurality of spaced, parallel, normally straight tubes; substantially box shaped head members disposed at the opposite ends of said tubes, having tube plates secured on their inner sides, said tube plates holding the ends of the tubes in their relative positions, and said head members having cover plates disposed on their outer sides, one of said head members having a transverse wall formed therein dividing the interior of same into two sections, and an inlet port formed in one section of said head member and an outlet port formed in the other section, whereby fluid may be circulated through said head members and tubes; and tie members secured to said tube plates normally held in an angular position and operatively connected to the same.

GEORGE T. JACOCKS. JOHN L. KRIEG. 

